Lando Norris secured his first pole position of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix but warned that he must convert strong qualifying pace into a race victory. His caution reflects McLaren’s recent strategic difficulties, while the result suggests its upgrade has improved competitiveness after a period on the back foot.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella described pole as an overachievement, helped by the team’s execution and Ferrari performing below expectations. Lewis Hamilton had been quickest after the first final-session runs but received a three-place grid penalty for blocking Oscar Piastri, with Ferrari accepting it failed to warn him in time; Hamilton said repeated penalties were making it harder to remain positive.